We've put together a list of the the best budget mics for your home studio in 2025 for every budget and need.
The past 20 years have seen a staggering advancement in what can be achieved within the confines of the home studio. This growth can be attributed to both advancements in technology, as well as considerable improvements in the capabilities of budget-friendly equipment.
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Billie Eilish, Mac DeMarco, Bon Iver, and Daft Punk are just some of the names who have employed sub-$100 equipment in productions that went on to massive acclaim. But with the world of the home studio entering a peak era for accessibility, there is one unexpected caveat—budding producers all over the world are scratching their heads, wondering what to buy.
With more options than ever, traversing the entry-level microphone market is enough to impose a migraine upon even the most seasoned shopper. But don’t stress, Mixdown is here to help.
Here are the best budget mics for the home studio in 2025. I have made a deliberate effort to include a variety of microphone types, so no matter what your requirements this list will have you covered.
Lewitt LCT440 Pure
If you’re in the market for your first large diaphragm condenser microphone, look no further than the LCT 440 Pure. Lewitt have put a painstaking amount of effort into the development of this mic, incorporating the same high-end components and capsule design implemented in their premium selection and bringing it into the entry to intermediate level market.
The LCT 4440 Pure boasts a nuanced 1” true condenser capsule that will capture even the most subtle details of your source. This mic will earn its place in any mic array and stay there for years to come.
beyerdynamic TGV70D
The beyerdynamic TGV70D is a fantastic choice for anyone who is in the market for a sturdy dynamic microphone that is well-suited to duties both on and off the stage. The TGV70D’s hypercardioid polar pattern gives it excellent feedback reduction, whilst its marked proximity effect means that any voice will run through to your preamp loud and clear.
This, combined with the TGV70D’s low handling noise and stellar build quality, makes it yet another home run from the folks at beyerdynamic.
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a large diaphragm condenser microphone that is a great option for anyone who is in the early stages of building their mic array. This is because the AT2020 is a very versatile microphone that performs well on a range of source material, from vocals or piano, all the way through to electric guitar cabinets.
The AT2020 boasts a solid build quality and stellar sound for a mic of its price point. As a matter of fact, pop sensation Billie Eilish is known to have used the AT2020 to record vocals for her platinum single “Ocean Eyes”, giving this microphone a sparkling endorsement straight out of the gate.
Sennheiser MD421 Kompakt
The Sennheiser MD421 is an industry classic dynamic microphone, finding itself at home on a wide range of sources from guitar cabinets to tom drums. More recently, Sennheiser has taken the MD421 and reduced its form factor, giving us the MD421 Kompakt.
This is great news for engineers who have had difficulty squeezing the standard MD421 in amongst tighter spaces, eg, the bottom of a snare drum. With a reimagining of the MD421’s innovative internal bass tube, giving the MD421 Kompakt its classic Sennheiser sound, bringing a classic to a new generation.
Neumann TLM 102
A strong contender when it comes to anyone in the market for a condenser microphone with a smaller form factor, the TLM 102 delivers that big, detailed studio sound that we all associate with Neumann microphones at a more budget-conscious price point than other mics in their range.
The TLM 102 is equally at home on acoustic instruments as well as vocals, making it a versatile addition to any studio. Additionally, it’s available on its own or included in a studio set, which includes your choice of either a dedicated clamp or a shock mount, representing tremendous value for money.
Shure SM57
The Shure SM57 is one of the most widely used dynamic microphones in history, due to both its rock-solid durability and tight pickup pattern. You’re bound to find at least a few 57s in the toolbox of any engineer and producer, regardless of whether they are working live on stage or within the studio.
Particularly well known for its use on snare drums and guitar cabinets, if need be, the 57 can be moulded to fit a range of scenarios. Bruce Springsteen’s Nebraska and Sufjan Stevens’ Greetings From Michigan are two well-known records that were recorded entirely with SM57s.
Rhode NT1 Signature Series
Australia’s own Rhode has been pushing the NT1 onto the market for over 30 years now, a big hit when it comes to professional-sounding vocals; this large diaphragm condenser makes an ideal first microphone for budding recordists.
The popularity of the NT1 can be attributed to its low noise floor and high SPL rating, making it a viable candidate for a number of applications within the home studio. Pair this with a rugged build quality, and it’s no wonder people keep coming back to the NT1.
Shure MV7
A great choice for podcasters, the Shure MV7 sets out to provide paramount user flexibility and sound at a price point that won’t bust the bank.
What makes the MV7 stand out from the pack is that it offers both USB and XLR connectivity. This, paired with Shure’s own beginner-friendly MOTIV app, makes the MV7 extremely easy to set up, ensuring that your podcasts will bang heads with the pros without causing too many headaches in the process.
Behringer C-2
If you are looking to mic up stereo sources such as drum overheads, it’s pretty hard to go past the Behringer C-2.
Their price point is unparalleled when it comes to purchasing a matched pair of pencil-style condenser mics and can definitely get excellent results on a variety of stereo sources when put in the right hands. Pair this with the included stereo bar and carry case, and the value for money is hard to beat.
Audix i5
Compared by many to the aforementioned SM57, the Audix i5 offers a viable alternative to Shure’s classic dynamic microphone for not much extra money. Many users actually prefer the i5 to the 57 due to its slightly increased high-frequency response.
Another factor that makes the Audix i5 stand out is its relatively short form factor, making it somewhat easier to place in tight spaces, “i.e snare bottom mic”. The i5 is also built like a tank, meaning that much like the 57, this mic will remain useful for many more years to come.
sE Electronics X1 A
An updated version of sE’s older X1 large diaphragm condenser, the X1 A manages to bring the price down on this entry-level classic. A redesigned capsule and durable build quality all combine to retain the X1 As’ status as a great option for anyone starting out in the world of recording.
The X1 A ships with a shockmount and mic-stand thread adapter, giving you everything you need to get started tracking in your home studio.
Superlux PRA628MKII
The least expensive entry in our list, the Superlux PRA628MKII, is a dynamic microphone that has been developed specifically for miking up instruments. Featuring a flat face, this microphone’s design is somewhat reminiscent of the Sennheiser E609.
A common application of this kind of microphone is to hang it in front of a speaker cabinet during tracking, preventing the need for a traditional microphone stand. The PRA628KIIs extended frequency response ensured fantastic sound regardless of what instrument you may be using it on.
